State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. File photo

DHAKA, July 1, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said the government is continuing efforts to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, saying the people want her returned to face trial.

"Of course, we should bring her back to Bangladesh and complete the trial. That is what the people of Bangladesh want. Work is underway for that purpose," she told reporters when replying a query at the foreign ministry this evening. 

Responding to another question on Bangladesh's foreign relations, Shama Obaed said the government remains committed to maintaining balanced and constructive ties with all countries while safeguarding national interests.

"We will have relations with China. We will have relations with all countries. And I don't think that if relations with one country are good, relations with another country will be bad," she said.

The State Minister said the government's objective is to protect Bangladesh's national interests through friendly relations with all countries. "This is our goal," she added.

Replying to Another question, Shama said the feasibility study on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) will continue from where it left off, stressing that no progress was made on it during the interim government or before its tenure.

Shama said China has agreed to provide Bangladesh with the technical support needed to conduct the feasibility study.

"Besides Teesta, we have challenges in river management across the country. China also wants to help and support us in that area. That is the assistance China wants to provide," she said.

Shama said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China has certainly taken Bangladesh-China relations to a new height.

"Bangladesh's relations with China have always been good. China has always been a strong partner in our economic and social development. In the coming days, it will invest even more," said the State Minister.

She expressed hope that Chinese investment in Bangladesh will increase further.

"New investments will come, and we are certainly reviewing the proposals made by the Chinese government, including the two-plus-two meeting and the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor," she said.

Shama said the government has maintained from the very beginning that Bangladesh's foreign policy will safeguard the interests of its people while keeping their needs at the forefront.